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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Cervix - The lower section of the uterus which protrudes into the vagina. During pregnancy, the cervix remains tightly closed. As pregnancy progresses and the estimated due date draws near, healthcare providers do routine cervical examinations to check for cervical dilation and effacement. During labor, the cervix will thin out and dilate to allow the passage of the baby. The cervix must dilate to a full 10 cm in order to push the baby through the birth canal. The cervix must also soften, or thin, to allow the baby to emerge from the birth canal.
Cesarean Birth - A method of childbirth in which the doctor makes an incision into the mother's uterus to deliver the baby instead of delivering the baby through the birth canal. An incision can be made vertically or horizontally, which is more common. Because a cesaren birth is a major abdominal surgery, recovery time is typically longer than that of a vaginal birth.
Cesarean Hysterectomy - Surgical removal of the uterus immediately after a baby has been delivered via a cesarean delivery. The uterus will be removed through the same incision that was made to deliver the baby.
Chadwick's Sign - Bluish discoloration of the vagina and cervix due to congestion of blood vessels. Although not guaranteed, it is considered a probable sign of pregnancy.
Chancre - An ulcer formed at the sit eof initial invasion by the sexually transmitted bacteria, marking the first stage of syphilis. Approximately 14 to 30 days after infection a dull red spot begins and develops into a painless ulcer. Common sites include the penis, vulva, scrotum, cervix, anus, rectum, lips and throat.
Chancroid - A highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that is characterized by painful sores on the genitals. The disease is caused by the Hemophilus ducreyi bacterium. Inflammation of the lymph nodes of the groin are common in affected individuals.
Chaplain - A clergyman who conducts religious service in the hospital. Chaplains also provide support and offer prayer to women experiencing pregnancy loss and/or complications during pregnancy and labor.
Char Syndrome - A genetic disorder that is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait.
The birth defect causes unusual facial features, hand abnormalities and patent ductus arteriosis. A baby that is born with Char syndrome will likely have a longer than normal area between the nose and upper lip, flattened nasal bridge, downward slanting and wide-set eyes, thick lips, a triangular shaped mouth and an inward curved fifth finger.
It is not uncommon for a patient to experience hearing loss, vision loss and delays in development. Although there is no cure for Char syndrome, treatment includes management of patent ductus arteriosis, which could include surgery.
Genetic counseling and prenatal testing is offered at select laboratories.
Charge Nurse - A registered nurse that has responsibility for coordinating the nursing care of all patients in a unit during a particular shift. Different units or wards within a hospital will have varying charge nurses.
CHARGE Syndrome - A genetic birth defect that is very complex and often there is no other history of the disorder in the family. CHARGE syndrome affects approximately one out of every 10,000 births worldwide.
CHARGE stands for: C=Colobomas and cranial nerves H=Heart problems A=Atresia of the choanae R=Retardation of growth G=Genital and urinary abnormalities E=Ear and hearing abnormalities.
Babies that are born with CHARGE syndrome often have heart defects and respiratory complications that are often life-threatening. Some major features of a baby with CHARGE syndrome include small eyes, coloboma of the iris, retina, choroid or disk and a possible absent eye in addition to malformed ears. Cranial nerve abnormalities are likely and almost all children that suffer from the disorder experience a decreased sense of smell and facial palsy.
Cleft lip/palate, kidney abnormalities and genital abnormalities are common. Other symptoms of the disorder are swallowing complications, hearing loss, vision loss, developmental delays, lack of muscle tone and balance problems. A child with CHARGE syndrome will have distinct facial features, which include a square face and a prominent forehead, arched eyebrows, large eyes, thickened nostrils, flattened midface, small mouth and facial asymmetry.
A doctor will make a diagnosis based on physical examinations.
Chemical Contraceptive - Any agent that contains a spermicidal substance and is introduced into the vagina before sexual intercourse to kill sperm at the time of ejaculation. Examples include creams, foams, jelly and supositories with nonoxynol-9.
Chemical Pregnancy - A type of miscarriage in which the only clinical evidence of pregnancy is a lab test, which indicates that that conception occurred but only developed long enough to raise your circulating blood level of hCG. There are usually no pregnancy symptoms, but a blood test can reveal higher levels of hCG.
Chiari-Frommel Syndrome - Prolonged milk secretion, absence of menstruation and muscle deterioration within the uterus after childbirth.
Chickenpox - An acute contagious disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Although the disease is most commonly seen in children, individuals of any age can become infected. Pregnant women should be partiuclarly cautious not to become infected because of the potenital effects on the developing fetus. Common effects that may be seen in the fetus/baby if infected while pregnant include scars on the skin, malformed limbs, small head, bone defects, mental retardation and blindness.
Chignon - A large swelling in the back of the head of a newborn infant resulting from the firm suction of a metal cup vacuum extractor applied to the head to create adequate traction during delivery.
Child Abuse - Any act that is not accidental and is intended to harm a child's welfare, mental health or physical health. Child abuse is committed by parents, guardians, teachers or other adults. Child abuse is a punishable crime and social services will investigate any reported or suspicious cases.
Child Abuse Assessment - Determination of the validity of a reported case of suspected child abuse or neglect through investigatory interviews with persons involved in the case. Suspected cases of child abuse or neglect can be reported to city officials that will act on the case to determine if the child is indeed being mistreated.
Childbed Fever - A body temperature above 98.6°F (37°C) that occurs after childbirth and is usually caused by an infection of some type. The illness is usually severe and occurs from unsanitary conditions in the deliverying facility.
Childbirth - The process of giving birth to a child, whether it be vaginally or surgically via a cesarean section.
Childbirth Classes - Classes that make expectant parents aware of what will occur during labor, delivery and the postpartum days. Childbirth classes will usually cover the signs of false vs. true labor, the various stages of labor and delivery, pain releif options including medical and non-medical options, the role of the birth coach, breastfeeding and how to properly care for a newborn.
Childbirth Educator - A knoweldgeable and educated individual that teaches expectant parents about pregnancy, childbirth and infants. Childbirth educators provide workshops, classes and individual, personalized education on various topics. Topics include medicated and non-medicated pain relief options during childbirth, childbirth preparation classes, breastfeeding classes, newborn classes, pregnancy development and a variety of others.
Chinese Gender Chart - A so-called method of gender prediction that was discovered in a royal tomb over 700 years ago. According to legend, the chart is capable of predicting the gender of an unborn child based on two variables: the baby's month of conception and the mother's age. The chart claims to have an accuracy rate of 90%.
Chlamydia - A sexually transmitted disease that is easily treatable with antibiotics. There are often no symptoms present and the individual does not know they are infected. The infection causes pelvic infection, tubal damage and infertility. It is possible for the disease to be passed to the baby during birth. This may cause an infection of the eye or pneumonia in the baby.
Chloasma - Brownish or yellowish patches that can appear anywhere on the face, but are seen most commonly on the forehead, upper cheeks, nose, and chin. The pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulate the melanin cells in the skin to produce more pigment, yet because these cells do not produce extra pigment uniformly, the facial skin may acquire a blotchy tan. Brunettes and darker-skinned women may notice darkened circles, resembling eye shadow, around their eyes. Chloasma cannot be prevented, but you can minimize the intensity of these blotchy, darkened areas by limiting your exposure to sunshine, which further stimulates melanin production. To prevent `mask of pregnancy` from happening, one should wear a good sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 whenever going outside. The skin is extra sensitive and the sun increases your chances of these dark spots showing up on your face.
Chlordiazepoxide - A tranquilizer that is prescribed to treat anxiety. The medicine may cause dependence and can cause withdrawal symptoms and lack of muscle tone in the newborn if taken by a pregnant woman at term.